Found in the tropical regions of all the world's oceans, gulfs and seas - mostly in coral reefs, the hawksbill turtle's population has been estimated to have declined by 80% over the last century. Known to be a subject of heavy trafficking in the tourist trade in tropical regions for its meat and shells, these turtles are being killed mercilessly for quite a period of time. The colourful shells of the hawksbill turtle, with beautiful patterns, make them a valuable item in the market, often sold as "tortoiseshell."
Even though in many countries harvesting for eggs is banned, the practice could not be ceased completely. The declination of its population has also resulted due to the degradation of coral reef species which the hawksbill primarily feed on. According to marine conservatives, this family of the turtle is the living representatives of reptiles that have existed in our oceans for the past hundred million years and these turtles are vital for the existence of seagrass beds and coral reefs
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Endangered Ocean Species
General FictionA fact file about marine species that are endangered.
